June 17, 2008

Renowned actress Shabana Azmi will play the role Mama Khan in the Karan Johar directed Shah Rukh Khan starrer My Name Is Khan.

A source reveals, “Normally, Karan would not think of casting anyone but Jaya Bachchan to play Shah Rukh’s mother. Reason being that both Shah Rukh and Karan dote on Jayaji and sure enough, she has already played SRK’s mother in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kal Ho Na Ho. Khan conveys a very strong message. It’s about the isolation of the Muslims after 9/11. And who better equipped to put forward a cinema of ideas than Shabana? Also, the film is about a Muslim family based in the US. And Shabana would bring a natural elegance and credibility to her part.”Shooting for this will begin end of this year and the film is planned for mid-2009 release.

May 12, 2008

The biggest thing I’ve learnt from my mother is patience and to respect other people’s space. Also, to be strong-willed! She has also taught my sister and I not to make the mistakes she made in her career. She has brought up both of us as independent women capable of taking our own decisions.

Where do I begin? My mom has taught me compassion, generosity of spirit, and not to make an issue out of everything in life. I’ve inherited my taste in clothes from her. Above all, she has taught me acting and how to approach a role.

What have I learnt from mom? Everything! Most of all I’ve learnt the importance of dignity in my conduct. She also taught me never to let anyone trample on my self-respect.

My mom has taught me to try and be a good human being.

My mother’s motto in life was simple – work hard and reach the goal. She made sure I follow that goal and reach where she dreamt I would. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a mother like mine. I’ve been lucky to be her daughter. Even if I am half as good as my mother to my daughters, I’m happy.